There’s a Christmas song, where the lyrics read, “Do you see what I see?” That particular song “tells the story of the birth of Jesus from the perspective of those involved in the Christmas story.” Yes, we realize this song doesn’t portray the gospel truth, but it’s a nice song with a lesson in it for us to learn. It’s what we see when we look, and what we CAN see when we look even deeper. The question is, do you see what God sees?
Yesterday, I was looking out the kitchen window. From there, you can see a hill filled with cactus, saguaro, and all kinds of desert scenery. I was enjoying the sight. And then out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the movement of a sparrow looking for food. I looked a little closer and there was movement going on everywhere. There were different kinds of birds, bunnies (I’m sure lots of insects) —all doing their own thing. It’s amazing what you can see when you truly look and focus.
Truly Seeing What God Sees
Afterward, I started thinking of all the hustle and bustle going on in so many homes with people getting ready for the holidays, and the holy days.
And then I thought of God’s perspective in all of this. Whether you believe Christmas should be celebrated this time of year or not… it’s not the point I want to make here. The point is for us to focus on each other as God would have us. We are not to look with manure colored glasses or from man’s perspective, but from God’s.
So the question is: are you too busy to be kind? If you are, you’re too busy. Additionally, are you dismissing or disregarding your spouse’s feelings, because he or she doesn’t do things the way, or in the timing you think is “right” and reasonable? If so, where is God’s grace in all of that? What do you think Jesus would have you do?
In light of this, below are a few quotes we’ve previously posted on the Marriage Missions Facebook page that applies to our focus. See what God tells you concerning each. And then consider what you should do about it.
Quotes to Prayerfully Consider:
— “When gold is mined, tons of dirt must be moved to get an ounce of gold. But one doesn’t go into the mine looking for dirt. One goes in looking for gold. That’s the way spouses develop healthy relationships. But unhealthy couples only see the dirt. If you want a great relationship, look for the good, not the bad. The more good qualities we look for in each other, the more good qualities we’re going to find.” (Les and Leslie Parrott)
Here’s another one:
— Kindness and decency SHOULD begin at home. Why should we be kinder to strangers than we are to those we claim to love —particularly our spouse? “Like letting someone with only one item go ahead of you in the supermarket line, bring home to your spouse the same decency and kindness you would show to someone you just met.” (Michele Weiner-Davis) “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another just as in Christ, God has forgiven you…” (Ephesians 4:32)
Additionally:
— It’s important to note that if our spouse is a Christian, he is God’s son or she is God’s daughter. “We often hear pastors contemplate the fatherhood of God, a wonderful and true doctrine. But if you want to change your marriage, extend this analogy and spend some time thinking about God as your ‘Father-in-Law.’ Because when you marry a believer, that’s who He is!” (Gary Thomas)
More to Consider on What God Sees:
— “If you want to get on my good side, be good to one of my kids. If you want to be on my bad side, be mean to one of my kids. I’m a Dad and I love my kids and want others to treat them kindly. …God is your heavenly Father; your spouse is one of God’s kids. If you want to please God, be good to his kid —your spouse.
“…Some husbands wouldn’t know an emotion if it bit him on the nose and he bled. But you please God’s heart when you love him anyway. He is God’s son, just as a wife is God’s daughter. Love God’s son (or daughter) despite how they stumble. Marriage brings out the ways we stumble. Can you love your spouse out of reverence for God?” (Gary Thomas)
Lastly, prayerfully consider that it’s important to:
— Be more intentional to be God-focused… God-centered, in your approach to your spouse: “To be a God-centered spouse, I am called to love my spouse out of my love for God.” We’re told in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” “The question to ask yourself is: How do I bring God’s Kingdom into my house? … Seek first God’s righteousness in your attitude and actions within your marriage and God will surprise you in other ways from behind.” (Gary Thomas)
May God help you as you focus on God and HIS perspective concerning your spouse. May you see what God sees!
Cindy and Steve Wright
Filed under: Spiritual Matters